Tue 16 Sep 2008, 11:05 GMT

Contaminated fuel off California coast


Local firm claims incident is the result of a refinery delivery mix-up.



Two Harbors, located at the Isthmus of Catalina Island, says it has learned that unleaded fuel with excessive levels (approximately 40 percent) of ethanol was sold to its customers during the period from August 30 - 8:00am to September 3rd 10am.

The excessive level of ethanol is claimed to have been the result of the local refinery delivering a load of what was supposed to be unleaded fuel but was in fact 100% ethanol. When this was then mixed with the existing unleaded fuel in the Two Harbors storage tanks it is said to have created a fuel mixture with approximately 40 percent ethanol.

Ann Luchau, Two Harbors Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, is advising anyone who purchased fuel at Two Harbors during these dates to contact Two Harbors Enterprises to assist in having the fuel in their tanks switched out.

Luchau added, “Upon learning of this mistaken delivery, Two Harbors immediately ceased sales and had flushed its tanks to make sure our supply is no longer contaminated. The fuel mixture does not pose a health or safety risk to people, but could effect the performance of boats."

Two Harbors says it regrets this incident and plans to work closely with its customers to remedy the situation.

Those concerned are urged to call Two Harbors representatives Laura Mc Elroy on +1 310 510 4219 or Ann Luchau on +1 310 510 4204.


RINA employee on board vessel. RINA unveils Mermaid propulsion concept to navigate uncertain decarbonisation landscape  

Fuel-agnostic design claims savings of more than 1,000 tonnes per year in some applications.

Adinkerke and Aalter naming ceremony. Exmar names third and fourth dual-fuel ammonia-powered vessels  

Midsize gas carriers Adinkerke and Aalter named at formal ceremony.

Professor Lynn Loo, GCMD. GCMD outlines practical approach to quantity assurance in marine biofuel supply chains  

New report addresses verification of both total fuel volume and renewable content in biofuel transactions.

Steel-cutting ceremony of London Express class vessel. Hapag-Lloyd cuts steel for first vessel of new London Express class  

16,800-TEU LNG dual-fuel vessel is first of 12 newbuildings in the class.

Vessels at sea. DNV report warns regulatory uncertainty complicates fleet investment decisions  

CEO urges greater clarity to provide the confidence needed for long-term investment.

Blue Whale NxtGen Energy battery system. Corvus Energy launches LFP battery system developed with BYD Energy Storage  

Blue Whale NxtGen Power targets tugs, ferries and workboats with high power demand.

Welcome ceremony of Yampu vessel. World’s first battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier enters service in Australia  

MV Yampu connects South Australia’s limestone trade with a battery-electric propulsion system.

Skipanes vessel. E-methanol-ready ro-ro vessel delivered to Smyril Line  

190-metre vessel is built for year-round North Atlantic operations and designed for future e-methanol conversion.

Belgium flag. Sunoil Biodiesel secures approval to supply biofuels in Belgium  

Dutch biofuel supplier expands its European footprint with Belgian market entry.

Tacoma Maersk naming ceremony. Maersk takes delivery of dual-fuel methanol-capable Tacoma Maersk in China  

9,000-TEU vessel is one of six mid-sized dual-fuel ships joining Maersk's fleet.